Phil Scott on Families & Children

$800,000 for Guardians ad Litem for kids of drug addicts

We now have an entire generation of young Vermonters suffering the effects of their parents' drug use. We owe it to all of them--to make this right. We need to learn more, and find better ways to support these kids, and their families. As a start,
I have invested nearly $800,000 to support the Guardian ad Litem program, and other services, so we have more trusted professionals advocating for the best interests of these children.

I know many dedicated legal advocates, counselors, families and
teachers have been fighting for these kids behind the scenes for years. It's time to bring their needs, stories and challenges forward, and work together to give these kids the opportunities they deserve. That's why I will charge the Director of Drug
Prevention Policy; the Opiate Coordination Council; the Agency of Education; and the Agency of Human Services with finding solutions for these kids. We cannot let this go unaddressed on our watch. We must not, and we will not, fail these children.

$7.5 million for Child Care Financial Assistance

My budget directs $7.5 million of this to the Child Care Financial Assistance Program. I'm also proposing investment in competitive grants supporting early care and pre-K. We'll invest $1 million in full-day pre-K programs for high-poverty kids.
And propose a $600,000 grant for the development of a model that helps childcare providers share services.

[In the school budget], I'm proposing we increase investment in early care and pre-K by $9.6 million.